European Parliament votes for binding 2030 renewable energy targets

21/03/2012

In a move hailed by renewable energy industry organizations, on March 15th, 2012, the European Parliament (EP) voted to set binding renewable energy targets for 2030.

These targets were approved as part of the European Commission's "Roadmap for moving to a low carbon economy by 2050". On February 23rd, 2012, a coalition of eight European energy companies sent a letter to the European Commission (EC) calling for binding targets, which have been opposed by Poland.

"The Parliament's vote sends a strong message to the European Council as it prepares its response to the European Commission's Energy Roadmap 2050," commented Stephane Bourgeois, Head of Regulatory Affairs at the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).

"Ministers should take heed of the European Parliament and endorse a binding renewables target for 2030. Binding targets for renewables are proven to be effective, and targets for 2030 would continue to drive European industry, boost energy security and are key in tackling climate change."

Targets adopted as part of EU Low Carbon Roadmap

EU Climate Action Commissioner Hedegaard has expressed support for the 2030 renewable energy target, and EU Energy Commissioner Oettinger had called for a decision on such a target by 2014.

The Roadmap for moving to a low carbon economy by 2050 aims to reduce domestic carbon emissions 80-95%, and had previously been approved by the EP's Environment Committee.

The nation of Poland opposes the Roadmap and binding targets, expressing concern that this could cause factories to relocate outside the EU, and stating that the EU should wait for other nations to take action.

UK calls for "technology-neutral" targets

The UK government has called on the EC to adopt "technology-neutral" targets, which the nation's Renewable Energy Association (REA, London, U.K.) opposes. The REA states that carbon capture and storage and nuclear are not long-term solutions and has expressed concern over excessive electricity imports.

UK MP Chris Davies, a member of the Liberal Party, guided the Roadmap through the EP, stating that "setting targets drive change".

The European Parliament also voted to call on the EC to fix the EU Emissions Trading System, which could include a removal of surplus allowances from the market.

By LM

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